By Muhammad Mamman
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called for deeper national reflection on the root causes of criminality, stressing that many of those involved in banditry and kidnapping are products of societal failure.
Speaking in an interview shared via @politicsngr, Bishop Kukah said Nigerians must confront the uncomfortable truth that the nation’s security crisis is being fuelled by young people who were not given adequate support, guidance, or opportunities.
According to him, while criminal acts must never be excused, the country must recognise the human dimension to the problem in order to craft lasting solutions.
“Bandits and kidnappers are our own children,” he said, noting that most perpetrators emerged from neglected communities with limited access to education, healthcare, or meaningful livelihoods.
He emphasised that effective security measures must go hand-in-hand with social investment and justice, arguing that building a fairer society is essential to ending cycles of violence.
Bishop Kukah, known for his forthright commentary on national issues, also urged government at all levels to strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunities, and rebuild public trust.
His remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions.
